❧

The midday sun filters through the branches, casting dappled light over the university courtyard. A soft breeze carries the distant hum of conversations, blending with the occasional laughter of students unwinding between classes.

Mira sits with Camille and Elara on a stone bench, casually sipping her iced tea. The three of them have taken up their usual spot, a little away from the main crowd, chatting about weekend plans when Camille suddenly nudges Mira’s arm.

“Look at that,” Camille whispers, tilting her head toward the faculty hall.

Mira follows her gaze and spots Adrian Vale, standing near the walkway, as composed as ever. But more interestingly, in front of him stands a girl—a first-year, judging by her hesitant posture—holding out a small, neatly wrapped box.

A gift.

From where they sit, they can’t hear the exchange, but the girl’s nervous fidgeting and the way she’s looking up at Adrian with hopeful eyes make the situation clear.

Elara clicks her tongue. “Oh no… that poor girl.”

Mira doesn’t need to ask why. Because just as expected, Adrian barely even acknowledges the gift. He doesn’t take it, doesn’t react—he simply looks at the girl for a second, his expression unreadable, and then steps around her, walking away without a word.

A hush falls over the courtyard. A few gasps, a stifled laugh from a group nearby, and then hushed whispers.

“Damn,” Camille mutters, wide-eyed. “That was brutal.”

“Cold as ice,” Elara agrees. She leans forward, watching the girl clutch the box to her chest before slowly turning away, clearly embarrassed. “Seriously, does he even have a heart?”

Mira raises an eyebrow and sips her drink. “The least he could’ve done was acknowledge it. That was a perfectly good gift.”

Camille smirks, giving Mira a playful nudge. “Would you try, then? See if you can get a reaction out of him?”

Mira scoffs. “Please. If I ever start throwing gifts at Adrian Vale, one of you needs to check if I’ve lost my mind.”

Elara chuckles, shaking her head. “Honestly, I don’t think anything could get a reaction out of that guy.”

“Exactly.” Mira exhales sharply, her gaze lingering on Adrian’s retreating figure.

Unbothered. Detached. Like the world and its affections have nothing to do with him.